Larry Hulst

For photographer Larry Hulst, who began shooting in the late 1960s, rock and roll performance provides the raw material for his work. The strong emotion from live performances, says the artist, "provide a format for the musician to effect a larger audience with his/her art, and stage a visual projection of the music's energy."

Larry's work captures images that document this energy and emotion. They also provide an aesthetic portrait that speaks of the individuality of each of the musicians.

"The job, as I see," says the photographer, "is to create a final image that portrays equally the 'public spectacle' of the show and the 'private style and passion of the musician. I try to maintain a basic clarity of focus in my work. I prefer not to use filters, printing or focus 'alteration' to create a finished work. I value a sharp image with a profound handling of 'depth of field.' I try to hold the interest of the viewer by documenting the emotion unique to each of these musicians and concerts."

Larry describes some of the changes in the craft since he started photographing. "When I started in 1968, we called these pieces "photographs"; the word "images" was rarely applied to them."

"Attendance at more than 3,000 concerts has involved me in an educational journey in photography, not to mention all the fun and great music I have learned to love with a passion," he adds.